GRADUATION & CONVOCATION
Convocation Ceremony
Celebrate your accomplishments with friends, family, faculty and staff at convocation. Convocation is a ticketed event; all graduates and guests need a ticket to attend. We host a live webcast of the ceremony so that friends and family from out of town can watch you walk across the stage.
RSVP, order tickets & rent regalia
This is time sensitive information and we encourage you to check your inbox frequently after you submit your application to graduate. To attend Convocation, you must be approved to graduate.
After you have been approved to graduate, you will receive an invitation to Convocation by email. The invitation is sent from convocation@macewan.ca and includes a link to an order form from Gaspard. Complete the form by the deadline indicated in the email to:
- let us know you are attending convocation
- order and pay for your regalia
- reserve up to four tickets for your guests
- request up to two additional guest tickets if space is available
RSVP
Your email invitation to Convocation contains a link to an order form from Gaspard. You must complete the order form and submit your payment by the deadline to let us know you are attending your Convocation ceremony.
If you do not submit your order by the deadline, you will not be able to attend the ceremony. We cannot accept late RSVPs.
Regalia
You must wear a cap and gown to cross the stage at your Convocation ceremony. Indigenous students are invited to wear the Indigenous stole. The gown rental fee is $58.00 (tax included).
Before beginning your registration, please have on hand:
- Your MacEwan Student Id number
- Payment (Visa debit, Visa, Mastercard or Discovery credit card with the billing address and postal code for security verification).
Tickets
Convocation is a ticketed event. You and your guests must have a ticket to enter the Winspear Centre.
Reserving Guest tickets
You may reserve tickets for guests when you submit your RSVP order form. All guests, including children and babies, will need a ticket. Guest tickets are general, unassigned seating for your specific ceremony date and time.
Requesting extra tickets
You may request additional guest tickets when you RSVP. Additional tickets are based on availability and not guaranteed.
Your ticket
Your graduate ticket will have an assigned seat and is automatically included when you RSVP. Your ticket will be included with your regalia, guest tickets and name card as part of the convocation package you must pick up on campus during Convocation Kickoff Fair.
Any outstanding fees on your student account (including Library and Residence) must be paid by the deadline. If you have outstanding fees after this date, your parchment will be withheld until your account is cleared.
Regalia and tickets will be available for pickup at the Convocation Kickoff Fair. Your Convocation pack will include your:
- Graduate ticket
- Guest tickets
- Gown
- Cap and tassel
- Hood
- Cords (if applicable)
- Indigenous stole (if requested)
- Name card
Photo ID is required for pick up. If you cannot pick up your Convocation package, you can have a friend or family member pick it up on your behalf. Please email convocation@macewan.ca with the name of the person picking up your package. They will be asked to show photo ID.
Ceremony checklist & instructions
Plan to arrive early for your ceremony. Doors to the Winspear Centre will open 1 hour and 30 minutes before your ceremony begins.
Plan to arrive early dressed in your full academic regalia (gown, cap, hood). If you forget to bring your regalia to the ceremony, you will be charged a second rental fee upon arrival at the Winspear.
Grad day Checklist
Remember to bring these items to your ceremony:
- Tickets (for you and your guests)
- Gown
- Hood
- Stole and/or cords (if applicable)
- Cap
- Tassel
- Name card
Graduates and guests are advised to use the LRT to travel to the Winspear Centre, which is accessible via Churchill Station. Parking in the area is limited and may be impacted by current construction. The nearest parkades are located at the Stanley A. Milner Edmonton Public Library and at Canada Place.
Visit winspearcentre.com for more information.
You and your guests must have a ticket to enter the Winspear Centre for the Convocation ceremony. Give each of your guests their tickets if they are arriving separately. Guest tickets are general, unassigned seating. Guests who wish to sit near the front are advised to arrive early.
Accessible seating
Guests who require accessible seating or other accessibility services can access them through the Winspear when they arrive.
Coat check
A coat check is availabe for $2.00. You are encouraged to leave coats or personal items with your guests or take them to your seat. You cannot carry personal items when you cross the stage. MacEwan University and the Winspear Centre are not liable for any loss or damage to items left unattended.
- You are encouraged to leave coats or personal items with your guests or take them to your seat. You cannot carry personal items when you cross the stage. Hold onto your name card throughout the ceremony. This will be used to announce your name as you cross the stage.
- When you arrive, you will be directed to take your assigned seat. If you need help finding your seat, ushers will be available to guide you.
- When it’s time, ushers will guide you backstage, where you will receive your parchment to carry across the stage. TIP: When you cross the stage, keep your parchment cover closed to avoid glare.
- You will hand your name card to the announcer, and when your name is called, walk to the “Hit Your Mark” sticker on the stage, pause for a photo, and finish crossing the stage.
- An Alumni representative will welcome you and the photographer will take another photo
- Ushers will guide you back to your seat in the auditorium.
Return your gown, hood, and stole (if applicable) to coat check immediately after the ceremony. Caps, tassels, and cords are yours to keep!
If you do not return your regalia, you are responsible for shipping it back to Gaspard at your own cost. If any items are missing or returned damaged, you will be responsible for paying to replace them.
After Convocation, you will get an email from the photographer with details about purchasing options.
Expectations for graduates & attendees
Convocation is a time for faculty, staff, students and their families and friends to come together to celebrate the accomplishments of MacEwan University graduates. It is also a ceremony rich with tradition. All attendees deserve to experience a safe, respectful and enjoyable event free of disruption. To ensure a positive experience, graduates and guests are kindly reminded to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner that demonstrates respect for the ceremonies, graduates, speakers, and all attendees.
By submitting an RSVP and attending Convocation, graduates and their guests agree to comply with behavioural expectations indicated by MacEwan University and the Winspear Centre, including any rules imposed at the venue on the day of the event or upon arrival, and the following provisions:
- Noisemakers, such as airhorns, whistles, bull horns and other undue disruptions, are strictly prohibited. If used, the item will be removed from the concert hall.
- Backpacks and large bags are not permitted in the concert hall and must be checked in at coat check.
- Disrespect of any kind towards Winspear and MacEwan University staff, volunteers, faculty, graduates and any guests will not be tolerated.
- Large signs or banners are not permitted.
The Winspear Centre security and MacEwan University have the authority to intervene if they become aware of any disturbances that may disrupt the flow of ceremonies or infringe on the safety or experience of other guests. The safety of all attendees is our priority.
